Lithium Hydroxide, Lithium Hydroxide Anhydrous, Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate, 1310-65-2, 1310-66-3

Lithium Hydroxide, Lithium Hydroxide Anhydrous, Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate, 1310-65-2, 1310-66-3

LITHIUM HYDROXIDE (LiOH)

Lithium Hydroxide Anhydrous / Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate

CAS Numbers: 1310-65-2 (Anhydrous), 1310-66-3 (Monohydrate)

EC Number: 215-183-4

1. IDENTIFICATION

2. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

3. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Reaction with Carbon Dioxide:

2 LiOH + CO₂ → Li₂CO₃ + H₂O

Reaction with Acids (Neutralization):

LiOH + HCl → LiCl + H₂O

4. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation (Sintering Method):

Li₂O·Al₂O₃·4SiO₂ (Spodumene) + Ca(OH)₂ + Heat → LiOH + CaSiO₃ + Al(OH)₃

Alternative Method (Carbonate Route):

Li₂CO₃ + Ca(OH)₂ → 2 LiOH + CaCO₃↓

Forms:

• Monohydrate (LiOH·H₂O): Crystallized directly from solution; more stable for handling

• Anhydrous (LiOH): Obtained by drying monohydrate at elevated temperatures

5. APPLICATIONS

5.1. Battery Industry (Primary Use – Most Important)

Why Lithium Hydroxide? Lithium hydroxide is preferred over lithium carbonate for certain cathode chemistries (especially NMC high-nickel) because it enables lower sintering temperatures and better performance.

Preferred Form: Monohydrate (Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate – typical battery grade)

5.2. Lubricating Grease Industry (Lithium Soap)

Typical Composition in Grease: 5 – 15% lithium hydroxide (as lithium soap)

Reaction:

LiOH + C₁₇H₃₅COOH → Li(C₁₇H₃₅COO) + H₂O
(Lithium hydroxide + Stearic acid → Lithium stearate + Water)

5.3. CO₂ Absorption (Air Purification)

CO₂ Absorption Capacity: ~0.85 g CO₂ per gram LiOH

5.4. Ceramics & Glass Industry

5.5. Organic Synthesis & Catalysis

5.6. Nuclear Industry

5.7. Cosmetics & Personal Care

5.8. Other Applications

6. TYPICAL QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (Battery Grade – Monohydrate)

7. COMPARISON: ANHYDROUS vs MONOHYDRATE

8. COMPARISON WITH OTHER ALKALI HYDROXIDES

9. STORAGE & HANDLING

Special Handling Notes:

• CO₂ Absorption: Lithium hydroxide absorbs CO₂ from air, forming lithium carbonate. Store in tightly sealed containers.

• Moisture Sensitivity: Keep away from moisture. Anhydrous form is particularly sensitive.

• Corrosive: Lithium hydroxide is corrosive to skin, eyes, and metals.

10. SAFETY & HEALTH INFORMATION

GHS Classification

Hazard Statements (H-Codes)

Precautionary Statements (P-Codes)

Toxicological Information

First Aid Measures

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

NFPA 704

11. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

13. REGULATORY INFORMATION

14. SYNONYMS & OTHER NAMES

Database Identifiers:

• CAS (Anhydrous): 1310-65-2

• CAS (Monohydrate): 1310-66-3

• EC: 215-183-4

• MDL: MFCD00011095

• PubChem CID: 3939 (anhydrous), 168938 (monohydrate)

• RTECS: OJ6307070

15. SUMMARY

Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH, CAS 1310-65-2 / 1310-66-3) is a strong base and the most important lithium compound for the battery industry and lubricating grease industry. It is available in two forms: anhydrous (LiOH) and monohydrate (LiOH·H₂O).

Key Features:

Main Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• CORROSIVE – Causes severe skin burns and eye damage

• HYGROSCOPIC – Absorbs moisture and CO₂ from air

• HARMFUL – Toxic if ingested

• STORE TIGHTLY SEALED – Prevents CO₂ absorption and moisture pickup

16. IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Battery Grade Importance: Lithium hydroxide monohydrate is the preferred form for battery cathode production (NMC, NCA). Battery grade requires high purity (>99.5%) and low impurities (especially Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cl, SO₄).

2. CO₂ Absorption Warning: Lithium hydroxide readily absorbs carbon dioxide from air, forming lithium carbonate:

   2 LiOH + CO₂ → Li₂CO₃ + H₂O

   This reduces purity and effectiveness. Store in tightly sealed containers under inert atmosphere (nitrogen) for long-term storage.

3. Hygroscopic Nature: Both forms are hygroscopic. Anhydrous form is highly hygroscopic and will absorb moisture rapidly from humid air. Always weigh and handle quickly in low-humidity environments.

4. Lithium Grease Production: Lithium hydroxide reacts with fatty acids (especially 12-hydroxystearic acid) to produce lithium soap, the thickener for lithium greases. Lithium greases are the most common multi-purpose greases due to their excellent high-temperature performance (up to 150-200°C) and water resistance.

5. Monohydrate vs Anhydrous for Batteries: The monohydrate form is used in battery production because:

   • It is more stable and easier to handle

   • It has consistent, well-defined stoichiometry

   • It is the industrial standard for cathode precursor synthesis

6. Cost Factor: Lithium hydroxide is significantly more expensive than sodium or potassium hydroxide. Use only where lithium's unique properties are required (batteries, greases, CO₂ absorption).

7. Corrosive Properties: Lithium hydroxide is corrosive to skin, eyes, and metals. Use appropriate PPE and corrosion-resistant equipment (stainless steel, HDPE, PTFE). Avoid contact with aluminum, zinc, and other reactive metals.

8. Solution Handling: Lithium hydroxide solutions are strongly alkaline. When preparing solutions, always add lithium hydroxide to water (never water to solid) to avoid violent boiling.

9. Replacement for Battery Applications: For some cathode chemistries (LFP), lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) can be used instead of lithium hydroxide. However, for high-nickel cathodes (NMC 811, NCA), lithium hydroxide is preferred due to lower sintering temperature requirements.

10. Sustainability: Lithium hydroxide production has significant energy and water requirements. Recycling of lithium from spent batteries is increasingly important for sustainability and supply chain security.

Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.